Production Buyer

Join our global purchasing team and play a pivotal role in shaping the supply chain for Ford's North American vehicle production. As a Commodity Buyer, you will be responsible for strategically sourcing components from suppliers worldwide, managing relationships, and ensuring the timely and cost-effective delivery of parts. You'll navigate supply constraints, foster strong supplier partnerships, and contribute to a resilient and efficient supply base. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead cross-functional efforts, influence product development, and drive significant cost efficiencies through innovative solutions and robust negotiation strategies. You will also contribute to our commitment to a diverse and sustainable supply chain.

• Lead the procurement process for connectors, terminals, and brackets for wire harnesses and battery cables across all North American programs.

• Develop and execute comprehensive supply base and commodity strategies, including Modularity Catalogue, Global Commodity Business Plans, Commodity Segmentation, and ESF activity.

• Drive cross-functional teams in the on-time execution of the Global Product Development System (GPDS) sourcing process.

• Facilitate the target-setting process for new programs and support purchasing milestone requirements.

• Lead target and pricing negotiations to secure the best Job 1 price and achieve year-over-year cost efficiencies.

• Issue, analyze, and evaluate requests for proposals (RFPs) and manage Sourcing Agreements (SA/SOBA) in accordance with established frameworks.

• Execute Commercial Business Group (CBG) sourcing consistent with global plans and strategies.

• Provide local supplier and country expertise for sourcing, potentially leading local supplier negotiations.

• Secure Commercial Program Agreement (CPA) level sign-off and manage subsequent design changes and updated quotes.

• Issue prototype orders, production Purchase Orders (POs)/amendments, and Tool Orders to support vehicle builds.

• Provide local Program Launch Support, including resolving supply issues, conducting capacity production studies, and managing Part Submission Warrant (PSW) timing plans.

• Utilize analytical tools for cost analysis (e.g., 8-bin analysis, cost models, benchmarking) and lead Total Value Management (TVM) and Commodity Cost Attack Team (CCAT) activities.

• Manage day-to-day relationships with suppliers and internal customers regarding supply, quality, part launches, resourcing, and capacity planning.

• Build positive and fact-based relationships with the supply base, acting as a partner and focusing on value beyond just price.

• Develop and manage Supplier Resourcing actions according to Resourcing Implementation Board (RIB) processes, leading cross-functional team meetings, tracking issues, coordinating bank builds, and managing tool transfers.

• Bachelor's degree completed.

• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Comfortable with public speaking and presenting information.

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Ability to work in a challenging environment and drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge of EDS system components (wiring harnesses, connectors, terminals) and manufacturing processes is a strong advantage.

DISCLAIMER: Ford Motor Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, as we are committed with a diverse workforce, and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran and basis of disability.